Accettura
Discover Accettura, the Municipality of the Little Lucanian Dolomites
We present to you Accettura, a Municipality located in the province of Matera in Basilicata with 1638 inhabitants. The town is situated at 770 meters above sea level in the central-western part of the province bordering the central-eastern part of the province of Potenza, and is home to the Regional Park of Gallipoli Cognato Little Lucanian Dolomites. About half of its territory is covered by forests and pastures.
Physical geography
Around Accettura are the mountains of Manche, Gallipoli, Montepiano, Vallefredda and Tempacortaglie. The Municipality borders to the north with the municipalities of Calciano (19 km) and Campomaggiore (PZ) (27 km), to the east Oliveto Lucano (12 km) and San Mauro Forte (14 km), to the south with Cirigliano (17 km) and Stigliano (18 km), and to the west with Pietrapertosa (PZ) (18 km). Moreover, Accettura is part of the mountain community of Collina Materana.
Origin of the name
The name "Accettura" has several possible explanations. According to some, it would derive from the term "acceptor", i.e. the sparrowhawk in Lower Latin. Others, on the other hand, argue that it derives from the Latin word "acceptator", i.e. the acceptor. The symbol of the town, consisting of two axes, could derive from "accepta-aurea" or "acceptura", therefore Accettura. Finally, there is a third hypothesis according to which the name would derive from the Latin term "accepta", i.e. small plot of land.
History
The origins of Accettura date back to the time of Magna Grecia when it was called "Acceptura". In the Middle Ages, a first settlement arose in an area called "Raja", probably made up of people coming from Gallipoli, Costa di Raja, and a fortified center in the Croccia-Cognato area. Even today, one can observe the remains of a fortification with a square plan surrounded by villages.
The first official mention of Accettura dates back to a Papal Bull of Pope Nicholas II of 1060, sent to the diocesan Curia of Tricarico: the document refers to the village of "Achitorem". In 1150, it became a fief of the county of Montescaglioso and in 1272, the village was completely destroyed by a fire. Shortly thereafter, in 1273, Charles I of Anjou ordered its reconstruction. Throughout its history, Accettura was owned by several families, including the Bazzano, Della Marra, Ponsiaco, Carafa, Colonna and Spinelli families, who held it until the end of the 19th century.
Banditry
During the period of banditry, Accettura was involved in the conflicts between the bandits and the army. In 1861, the village was occupied by the bands of Carmine Crocco and Jose Borjes, who took Cirigliano before moving towards Accettura. Here, they were well-received by the clergy and the population and Borjès had his troops camped. However, he was informed of the presence of mobile militia and troops nearby and decided to direct his troops towards Garaguso without fighting.
Monuments and places of interest
Accettura has many tourist attractions. Particularly interesting are the religious architectures, including the Church of the Annunciation, a Baroque church rebuilt on a pre-existing building. Inside, the church preserves a wooden statue of Mary with Jesus from the 16th century and a canvas depicting the same subject in reverse parts.
Conclusions
Accettura is a beautiful Municipality of Basilicata with a fascinating history and many places of interest to visit. Its elevated position offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. If you have the opportunity to visit Basilicata, do not forget to include Accettura among your tourist destinations!
